José Basulto, the founder of Brothers to the Rescue, has expressed his skepticism regarding reports that the Trump administration is preparing formal charges against Raúl Castro for the downing of two planes belonging to the organization on February 24, 1996. This incident tragically resulted in the deaths of four Cuban-Americans.
During an interview with Telemundo 51 from his Miami home, Basulto stated, "I remain skeptical until action is taken, and the action to take is the criminal indictment of Raúl Castro, who was the one who gave the orders, and all those who collaborated with him for the murder."
The 85-year-old activist, a prominent figure in the Cuban exile community in the United States, survived the attack but mourned the loss of four companions: Mario de la Peña, Carlos Costa, Armando Alejandre Jr., and legal resident Pablo Morales, all of Cuban descent.
On Friday, the Associated Press reported, citing three anonymous sources familiar with the situation, that the U.S. Department of Justice might be preparing a federal criminal indictment against the 94-year-old Castro, who was serving as Cuba's Armed Forces Minister in 1996.
According to the Miami Herald, formal charges could be announced on May 20 at an event at Miami's Freedom Tower, influenced by the pressures from the Cuban exile community.
When asked about this potential development, President Trump deferred comments to the Department of Justice, neither confirming nor denying the reports.
Despite his skepticism, Basulto is hopeful for justice, though he laments the time lost: "I trust that justice will eventually be served, albeit delayed. They let too much time pass: delayed justice is denied justice. This should have happened a long time ago."
The case gained renewed attention in March 2026, when Florida's Attorney General reopened the criminal investigation into the shootdown, and Florida Republican lawmakers — Carlos Giménez, Mario Díaz-Balart, María Elvira Salazar, and Rick Scott — formally urged the Department of Justice to prosecute Castro.
Senator Lindsey Graham also supported the initiative, denouncing the 1996 attack as "cowardly and despicable."
In response to whether Castro might face a fate similar to that of Nicolás Maduro — apprehended by the United States on January 3 in Caracas following a formal indictment — Basulto remarked, "Anything is possible, but this is a question for Mr. Trump's administration, as they make these decisions."
The activist also expressed doubts about negotiations between Washington and Havana, which include Castro's grandson, asserting that change in Cuba would only come through direct intervention: "There is no possible business there. Cuba has no business dealings with the United States. The U.S. will have to take unilateral action, and then we will know whether to applaud or boo."
These reports of possible charges emerge amid heightened pressure on the Cuban regime, with expanded sanctions, a Trump-ordered oil blockade, and a severe social crisis leading to protests, pot-banging, and dumpster fires on the island in recent days.
"I hope I have enough years left to see a free Cuba," Basulto concluded in the interview.
Key Questions About Potential Charges Against Raúl Castro
What incident is Raúl Castro potentially facing charges for?
Raúl Castro may face charges for the 1996 downing of two planes belonging to Brothers to the Rescue, which resulted in the deaths of four Cuban-Americans.
Who is pushing for the prosecution of Raúl Castro?
Florida Republican lawmakers, including Carlos Giménez, Mario Díaz-Balart, María Elvira Salazar, and Rick Scott, are urging the Department of Justice to prosecute Castro. Senator Lindsey Graham has also expressed support for this initiative.
How does José Basulto feel about the potential charges?
José Basulto is skeptical about the potential charges against Raúl Castro, but he remains hopeful that justice will eventually be served, despite the significant delay.